be more authentic as it contained extra knowledge given to her by Mrs Takata. She went on to write the first book on Reiki, The Reiki Factor. Her system became known as the Radiance Technique. Mrs Takata’s system is the best known today with millions of Practitioners worldwide.
REIKI TODAY
Since Mrs Takata’s death, these two systems have been taught in a consistent way. More recently, numerous variations have been created. Differing from the traditional methods, these techniques have their own approach. Whether they have a legitimate lineage, a sound methodology or are a marketing ploy is a matter for the discerning. There are far too many in number to comment on here.
Both Dr Usui and Dr Hayashi trained a number of their students to teach Reiki. It has evolved quite differently in Japan, where it continues to be taught today.
A number of people have attempted to research and compile a detailed history of the life and teachings of Dr Usui, from mainly Japanese sources. The history is difficult to research as material considered sacred in Japan is protected from those not entitled to access it. Attempts have met with only partial success, resulting in new revelations emerging on a regular basis. Furthermore, a number of key sources are no longer living, making it very difficult to distinguish between legend and fact.
The discovery of Dr Usui’s memorial and the establishment of links to Japanese Reiki Schools in the early 1990s have revealed some differences in the way that Reiki has evolved in Japan. Since stories about Dr Usui’s healing quest were handed down orally, it was inevitable that the contents would change over time. As far as individual techniques are concerned, the Japanese and Western method of teaching Reiki are broadly similar, but have a different emphasis. As a result, different exercises are taught, none better or worse than each other. Further details on Japanese Reiki techniques can be found on the website of The International House of Reiki at www.reiki.net.au.
There are now many offshoots of Dr Usui’s teachings both in Japan and in the West. The essence of Dr Usui’s healing art is present in all its variations. He envisaged Reiki as easy to learn, straightforward to use and effective. Having no barriers, it can reach all religions, races and cultures regardless of whether people are rich, poor, strong, weak, young or old. After a turbulent adolescence, it is evident that as it matures, Reiki is becoming a great leveller, bringing back simplicity and unity to people everywhere.
Those wishing to read more about the history of Reiki can find more detailed information in The Reiki Sourcebook by Bronwen and Frans Stiene or in the history section on Lawrence Ellyard’s website www.taoofreiki.com.
If you have never experienced Reiki, then we hope you will be inspired to find out for yourself what it feels like, as even the best description and most illuminating historical perspective cannot compare with your own experience.
3 The Five Principles of Reiki
In order to change a person’s situation in life, there has to be a change in attitude. Knowing this, Dr Usui developed five principles to help improve the quality of a person’s life. These principles form an important part of the healing process at the heart of Reiki. Dr Usui had come to realize how much more powerful and effective treatment was – for the practitioner and the recipient – if these principles were adhered to. Dr Usui knew how vital it was for a person to be involved in his or her own healing process and, through these principles, he was able to inspire meaningful change.
These principles are just as relevant today as when Dr Usui developed them:
1. JUST FOR TODAY, DO NOT WORRY
Being unconcerned with the future, accepting of the past, and content in the right now, is true happiness …
HARUSAMI
Dr Usui knew that a great deal of energy can be wasted on negative trains of thought. He also knew that negative thoughts are unhelpful and likely to affect the outcome of any treatment. He reminded people that there is a divine purpose to everything, and that energy used for worrying can be more usefully employed elsewhere.
We live in a responsive universe. As long as we are able to clarify our heart’s desires, our needs will be met. By trusting in the outcome we are allowing the universe to make it all possible. Our freed-up minds can then open to intuitive messages and guidance. This can take us closer to our goals or, conversely, can point to new directions offering interesting alternatives.
Sometimes, when a situation is beyond our control, a detached perspective can be invaluable and can render a desperate situation into an unexpected opportunity. One of our students, Cathy, had set her intent on finding an exciting job. She was overjoyed when an opportunity came up and she was invited for interview. On the way there, Cathy missed the train and knew the delay would mean she was unlikely to be considered. On the journey home, she had the good fortune to be sitting next to a Chief Executive in the same industry. She enjoyed talking to him, and the conversation led to her being offered a position with his company at nearly twice the salary. In addition … she later became his wife!
A wise sage once remarked that if you are given lemons … make lemonade. Dr Usui would undoubtedly agree.
Releasing Worry
Complete the following exercise.
1. Make a list of all the things that concern you, both personally and globally.
2. On another sheet of paper, draw 2 circles, one inside the other.
3. Inside the inner circle, list all worries or concerns that directly affect you. Include ones you can do something about. For example, ‘I worry about the faulty light switch outside the bathroom.’
4. In the outer circle, write all the concerns that you cannot change. For example, whether your teenage daughter may or may not injure herself on a skiing holiday.
5. Immediately release from your thoughts everything from the outer circle. They are beyond your control, and no amount of worrying will bring any change to those situations.
6. Look at the inner circle. Can you take appropriate action so these concerns are released from your thoughts? Can an electrician be called in to mend that faulty switch?
7. Relax, knowing you have taken the necessary action, and trust that everything will work out the way you want it to.
2. JUST FOR TODAY, DO NOT BE ANGRY
When we do something out of great love rather than great expectation, more comes back to us than we could have ever imagined.
ANONYMOUS
Anger creates disharmony within the body. By asking us not to become angry, Dr Usui was not suggesting people deny their feelings. Instead, he was inviting them to respond with love.
When a situation does not live up to our expectations, we become angry. The ego doesn’t like it if things don’t work out as we anticipate. When inappropriately expressed, however, anger can be a very destructive emotion.
When we are aware of our reactions and are in control, this can be a learning experience and a powerful motivator for change. Instead of stopping anger, observe it. Be aware and focus on it in a detached way, without judgement. Eventually, its energy field will dissipate.
Anger with awareness can powerfully affect outcomes. A loving response without anger can transform a situation.
RELEASING ANGER
